Some closures in effect in national park, forest

Visitors to federal lands on the North Olympic Peninsula this Labor Day weekend are reminded that some areas are closed.

East Beach Road remains closed at U.S. Highway 101 near Lake Crescent because of a wild fire that has been contained but which still produces some smoke and debris that rolls onto the road, according to the park’s website at www.nps.gov/olym.

Closures remain in place for coastal areas on Makah and Quileute land. This includes Shi Shi Beach and Second Beach.

The Spruce Railroad Trail at Lake Crescent is closed for construction.

The final phase of work on the trail is expected to be completed by October or November.

Devil’s Punchbowl is accessible only by boat.

Olympic National Forest roads 24 and 2451 leading to the Staircase entrance to Olympic National Park and Lake Cushman remain closed because of crowding and public safety concerns, according to national forest officials.

Because the road is closed, the park has closed the Staircase area, campground, and trailheads are closed until further notice.

The closure of Forest Road 24 is for public safety. Lake Cushman also is closed. The portion of Forest Road 24 leading to Mt. Elinor remains open.

For more about the national forest, see fs.usda.gov/olympic.